(INDIANAPOLIS) - More than $57 million in grant funding is being distributed across Indiana to support crime victims, strengthen community-based services, and expand juvenile justice programs.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute announced the funding package Monday, calling it one of the largest annual investments administered by the agency.
The largest share of the funding comes through the federal Victims of Crime Act Grant Program. A total of 167 organizations will receive $49.5 million to provide services including victim advocacy, counseling, legal assistance, emergency shelter, housing support, and services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.
State officials said available VOCA funding for Indiana declined about 30 percent from the previous grant cycle because of reduced deposits into the federal Crime Victims Fund. Despite the reduction, ICJI received 197 applications requesting nearly $68 million in funding.
An additional $500,000 in Social Services Block Grant funding will be distributed to 23 organizations that operate residential domestic violence programs providing emergency shelter and support services for survivors and their dependents.
ICJI also awarded $8 million to 25 organizations serving 31 counties through its Juvenile Behavioral Health, Juvenile Diversion, and Juvenile Community Alternatives grant programs.
The funding supports evidence-based programs designed to address behavioral health needs, expand diversion opportunities, and provide community-based alternatives aimed at reducing juvenile involvement in the justice system.
The grants were approved by the ICJI Board of Trustees on June 5.